Has anyone ever told you they’re a Christian but that “church” just isn’t their thing? There’s far too much of that today. You may have felt it yourself.
The Search Institute, a Minneapolis based research firm, recently discovered 55 percent of young people
(6835 from age 12 to 25) say they are more spiritual now than two years ago. Yet, nearly one-third of them said that they don’t trust organized religion. They perceive it as a bunch of angry people who trust only their image of God. The Search Institute, concluded its report by suggesting that:
- We’re not paying enough attention to what our kids are saying.
- We need to listen more and talk less.
That was the reason that I asked Brock to write that post “Why I Voted Obama.” Without listening there isn’t trust. Without trust there isn’t influence.
I was surprised by your passionate response and by Brock’s effort to process it. I appreciated how you showed respect for him and each other through it all. Here’s a couple of insights that made me think a bit:
- Sylvie’s comments on relationships: “All I know is that although my parents were Christians, in my home and my church there was no place for individuals. I didn’t feel like I was ever ’seen’ by the Christians in my life.”
- Brock’s thought that God’s judgment of Sodom was about pride and selfishness as well as for sexual sins. Ezekial 16:49-50 states:“Pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and the needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before me.”.
Much of the rebellion, abortion, and even homosexuality today could be rooted in this loneliness, disconnection, and lack of purpose. Are we too quick to politicize these issues when we seem to share so much responsibility for them? Can government fix them? Do we lack the humility to own them, and could this be why our young people pull away?
Churches are trying hard to be more effective. Coffee bars to better connect people and assure they are “seen” are now common. Many now also support missional ministries to the poor outside the walls of the church. Others are emphasizing spiritual growth and personal disciplines instead of more programs.
So, how would you finish this statement: To improve my church’s ability to connect and build purpose I would_______________________________.
Discipleship happens when we are doing life together – as we walk, sit, live, work, and play together. We still set up the majority of our church ’services’ and programs in a thousand year old set up of one speaker with a bunch of listeners………same in our school systems.
I just watch an amazing movie called Freedom Writers – with Hilary Swank. You need to see this. So much to gain from it: generational, ratial, gender tension and reconcilliation. It’s based on a true story…..
And yes, much of the problems in the movie can be traced back to a lack of listening….
Loved this post, Ed. You always make me stop and ponder things I’d just pass right over otherwise.
If I could improve my church I would…
*Get people to go to a fast food restaurant one night a week predictably, so that others could join them there if they wanted to. Hospitality isn’t about fancy foods, just time.
*Open up homes (same reasoning) not for Bible studies, but for life.
*Find a way to get people to leave their public persona’s at the door.
*Hang out in the lobby or coffee bar at church and be available.
*Relax and realize that not one church meets all needs….we don’t have to force it on people.
Hey Marla…..sorry so slow to respond.
I love every one of your ideas and interests. Its the kind of activity vital to reinvent ministry in a Google age!
Thanks for all your contributions the last 9 months. We have to meet sometime!